Rainwater Harvesting For Beginners
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If you’ve noticed a large increase in your water bills recently (I know I certainly have, here in Somerset mine is now £70 a month!), you might be considering ways to try to reduce them.
One thing you might be tempted to try is harvesting rainwater, which can then be used for things like watering the garden, washing the car and other outdoor cleaning jobs.
Switching To A Water Meter
In the UK, homes typically pay for their water in one of two ways: either a fixed charge or a pay-as-you-go system, where a water meter records how much water is used.
Around 60% of households now have a water meter, and this includes almost all new-build homes.
Switching to a water meter can save you money on your water bills, particularly if you also choose to supplement your mains supply with harvested rainwater, especially during the summer months when outdoor water use tends to increase.
With a water meter, you pay only for the water you actually use, rather than a fixed charge based on your property size. This means that every litre of rainwater you use instead of mains water can directly reduce your bill.
However, switching to a water meter does not save money for everyone.
In some situations, it can actually increase your water bills, for example, if you have a large family, as lots of children often mean lots of baths and showers, or if you frequently use high-water-demand items such as pressure washers, paddling pools or hot tubs.
In these cases, rainwater harvesting is unlikely to reduce your water bill.
That said, it may still be appealing for other reasons, such as its positive environmental impact or for maintaining garden watering during periods when water companies ask households to limit outdoor water use, such as during a hosepipe ban.
What Is Rainwater Harvesting?
The simple definition of rainwater harvesting is collecting to rainwater to use at a later date. Common everyday uses include watering the garden and lawns, cleaning and if you’re really keen to save money, even flushing the toilet.
Outlay Vs Savings
While harvesting rainwater is relatively simple, there is a small start-up cost involved. This includes an initial outlay for equipment such as water tanks and the fittings needed to redirect rainwater from your guttering.
A beginner setup typically costs between £50 and £150, depending on the size and style of equipment chosen.
For a small system, annual savings are usually in the region of £10 to £30, meaning it may take a couple of years for the system to pay for itself.
However, financial savings are not the only benefit to consider.
Harvesting rainwater can allow you to water plants and vegetables during a hosepipe ban, and it can also appeal to those who prefer to use less chemically treated water on their garden.
What CAN I Use Rainwater For?
- Gardening
- Lawn Irrigation
- Outdoor Cleaning
- Washing Cars
- Flushing Toilets
What Can I NOT Use Rainwater For?
In most parts of the UK, harvested rainwater is not recommended for the following uses unless it has been properly treated and filtered:
- Drinking
- Cooking
- Showering
- Filling Hot Tubs and Paddling Pools
Rainwater collected from roofs can contain contaminants such as bird droppings, airborne pollution and debris from guttering.
Rainwater Harvesting – Ongoing Maintenance and Costs
While rainwater harvesting can save money, there is a small amount of ongoing maintenance to consider.
Most beginner rainwater harvesting systems need very little upkeep, and maintenance usually involves clearing leaves from gutters, checking filters, and ensuring the tank tap is not blocked once or twice each year.
Ongoing costs are low.
Gravity-fed systems cost nothing to run, and replacement parts such as filters or fittings may occasionally be needed, but these are usually inexpensive to purchase.
Rainwater Harvesting – Quick Tips For Beginners
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Start small – Any system is better than none. Begin with a small water butt and consider upgrading later.
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Keep costs low – If start-up costs are a concern, look out for free or cheap water butts on local Facebook Marketplace or community groups.
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Label your tank – Mark it clearly with ‘Not For Drinking’ to keep everyone safe.
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Cover your tank – A lid or mesh helps keep out leaves, debris, and mosquitoes.
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Prep for winter – In colder climates, consider insulation or emptying the tank to prevent cracking.
Finally – Are There Other Ways To Save On My Water Bill?
Rainwater harvesting can be an excellent way to save money on your water bill and help the environment, especially if you keep start-up costs as low as possible.
You may also want to explore other ways to reduce water costs around your home. Most UK water companies offer a free ‘Get Water Fit’ kit, which highlights simple ways to save water.
You may even be able to order free devices such as leak detectors, shower flow regulators, cistern bags, and toothy timers to help curb water usage.
Just like with electricity, being aware of how much water you and others in your home are using can make a real difference over time and boost savings across the board.
